EXPLOSIONS

Explosions can occur accidentally (ex. leaking natural gas furnace) or intentionally. Criminals and terrorists do not have to look far to find out how to make explosive devices; the information is readily available in books and other information sources. The materials needed for an explosive device can be found in many places including variety, hardware, and auto supply stores.

An event that unfortunately occurs on a somewhat frequent basis in our region is bomb threats. Whether such threats are received at a local school, hospital, or place of business, there is important information that should be obtained from the caller. A checklist has been developed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and can be downloaded here. Any such event should be forwarded to your local Emergency Operations Center, law enforcement agency, or the WV Intelligence/Fusion Center.

If you find yourself the victim of an explosion, adhere to the following:

Get under a sturdy table or desk if things are falling around you. When they stop falling, leave quickly, watching for obviously weakened floors and stairways. As you exit from the building, be especially watchful of falling debris.

Leave the building as quickly as possible. Do not stop to retrieve personal possessions or make phone calls.

Do not use elevators.

Once you are out:

Do not stand in front of windows, glass doors, or other potentially hazardous areas.

Move away from sidewalks or streets to be used by emergency officials or others still exiting the building.

If you are trapped in debris:

If possible, use a flashlight to signal your location to rescuers.

Avoid unnecessary movement so you don’t kick up dust.

Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand. (Dense-weave cotton material can act as a good filter. Try to breathe through the material.)

Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can hear where you are.

If possible, use a whistle to signal rescuers.

Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.